Postponing MM2H visa to work in Malaysia - advice needed!

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I know that none of you are working in Malaysia (officially at least!) but someone may be able to offer advice on my situation:

I'm in Penang with family, MM2H approved in November but as yet we have not been to KL to be 'stamped' - we have until May for that.

The possibility of an expat job (with work permit approved) in Penang has appeared out of the blue. As I'm 45 years old and treating my stay in Malaysia as a 'career break' rather than permanent retirement, this job opportunity has a certain appeal.

So, say I agreed with the employer (who is aware of my MM2H status) to take the job on a trial basis for 3-4 months. If it didn't work out for both parties, what is to stop me from quitting and getting my MM2H visa stamp just before the 6 months approval grace expires?

Also, if the job does work out and I stayed in it for a few years, when it ends could I then reapply for the MM2H visa without having to leave Malaysia? (I appreciate that this question is theoretical and based on current MM2H rules, as none of us know what the rules will be a few years hence).

Finally, anyone in a position to offer tax advice if I'm employed here?  I know I will have to pay Malaysian income tax om salary earned here, but what about extra income I'll need to bring into the country to pay school fees, rent etc, which I'll still be responsible for?

Any advice welcome!

thanks and regards,
John

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hi, John B,

So, say I agreed with the employer (who is aware of my MM2H status) to take the job on a trial basis for 3-4 months.

Something to add-in to the equation. There's a rule which says that a 6 months "cooling-off" period is required between the end of a work permit and an MM2H application. As with all rules in Malaysia, this one may, or may not, be actively applied.
 

If it didn't work out for both parties, what is to stop me from quitting and getting my MM2H visa stamp just before the 6 months approval grace expires?

I suppose a problem may occur if there's any computer link in Immigration between your name on a work permit, and your name on the MM2H application.

Under Malaysia My Second Home Programme, participants are NOT allowed to work. However, you can apply to the Human Resources Ministry seeking special approval for you to work in Malaysia because of your special expertise.

If you are successful, you will be issued a work permit or Employment Pass. You may join Malaysia: My Second Home Programme at the end of your work permit if you decide to continue your stay in Malaysia.

The above is from the MoTour site : FAQ Section. Maybe your potential work involves "special expertise."

BTW, Motour will consider an extension of the 6 months collection period if you are able to make a suitable case to them.

regards, Scott

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Scott, thanks for your advice - do you know if it's possible for me to contact directly anyone at Motour to discuss my predicament (and in particular to explore the possibility of extending the 6 month deadline), or do I have to go via my visa agent?

thanks,
John

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hi, John,

No-one has posted on this site, or alloexpat, about how to go about asking for an extension. I only know about it because of an errant email message.

IMHO - I'd get your agent to do the work simply because if there's a refusal then you'll still be in a position to make a direct appeal.

regards, Scott